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Independent SQE1 guidance

Prepare for SQE1 with purpose.

A practical starting point for understanding the assessment, organising the syllabus and learning how to apply the law to SQE-style questions.

Open the SQE Hub ↗Practise MCQs →

Reviewed 10 August 2026

What is SQE1?

SQE1 is the first stage of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination for aspiring solicitors in England and Wales. It assesses functioning legal knowledge through two multiple-choice assessments, usually described as FLK1 and FLK2.

The questions do more than ask you to recall rules. They present a factual scenario and ask you to select the single best answer. Strong preparation therefore needs both legal knowledge and the ability to recognise which rule matters in context.

What effective SQE preparation includes

01

Accurate knowledge

Build a reliable understanding of the legal principles in the current assessment specification.

02

Application practice

Use scenario-led questions to practise identifying issues, eliminating distractors and choosing the best answer.

03

Realistic planning

Allocate time according to your existing knowledge, available weeks and the subjects needing most attention.

04

Active review

Study explanations, record recurring errors and return to weak areas without repeatedly revising what you already know.

How the Dr Yannis resources fit together

This is a non-linear SQE ecosystem. You can watch an explanation when a rule is unclear, attempt MCQs when you need application practice, use the weekly newsletter for a regular practice rhythm, join Dr Yannis live, adjust your planner when circumstances change, and use the app to identify gaps. You do not have to follow a prescribed order.

VideosClear explanations across FLK subjects →MCQsScenario-led application practice →SQE NewsletterA weekly question, supporting material and feedback →Live eventsFree livestreams and focused paid workshops →Study plannerStructure that fits your week →

How to use SQE practice questions well

  1. Read the lead-in carefully before deciding which facts matter.
  2. Identify the legal issue and recall the governing rule before comparing options.
  3. Eliminate answers that are true statements of law but do not answer this scenario.
  4. Review the explanation for the correct answer and every plausible distractor.
  5. Record the reason for the error: missing knowledge, misreading, poor recall or weak application.

SQE preparation FAQs

Questions candidates ask first.

What is the best way to prepare for SQE1?+

Combine accurate legal knowledge with regular practice applying that knowledge to realistic, single-best-answer scenarios. Review the explanation for every answer, including questions you got right, and use your results to decide what to revisit.

How early should I start SQE1 preparation?+

There is no single correct timetable. Your starting knowledge, weekly availability and assessment date matter more than a generic number of months. Begin by mapping the current specification against your existing knowledge, then build a plan you can sustain.

Can I prepare for SQE1 for free?+

You can begin with free official information, video explainers, sample questions and planning tools. Some candidates later choose paid materials or tuition, but an expensive course is not the only possible starting point.

What are FLK1 and FLK2?+

They are the two functioning legal knowledge assessments that make up SQE1. Each covers a defined group of legal subjects and tests whether candidates can apply fundamental legal principles in realistic scenarios.